PRIMARY school teacher numbers in Scotland are at their highest level since 1980 and total teacher numbers have risen by 288, new statistics show.

The overall number of teachers rose to 52,247, an increase of 1530 since 2015 and the highest level since 2009.

Separate figures show the proportion of primary pupils assessed as achieving the expected levels in listening and talking, reading, writing and numeracy has continued to improve. Performance among S3 pupils has remained stable, with almost nine out of 10 achieving the expected levels in listening and talking, reading, writing and numeracy.

Education Secretary John Swinney said the figures show the Scottish Government’s “reforms are working”.